Is the 2016 ESC diagnostic algorithm useful for assessing the prevalence of chronic heart failure in population-based...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic heart failure (CHF) presents a significant global health challenge.
• Epidemiological data on CHF prevalence in the general population, using current clinical diagnostic standards, is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of key components of the 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) diagnostic algorithm for CHF.
• To evaluate the applicability of the 2016 ESC CHF diagnostic algorithm in general population studies.

Main Methods:

• A representative sample of 313 adults in Northern Poland (mean age 55.2 years) participated.
• Data collection included questionnaires for New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, transthoracic echocardiography, and spirometry.

Main Results:

• Dyspnea (NYHA class II-IV) was reported by 13.7% of participants.
• The prevalence of CHF, defined by symptoms, elevated NT-proBNP, and echocardiographic abnormalities, was 4.8%.
• Among subjects without dyspnea, 1 in 6 had elevated NT-proBNP; 5.8% reported a prior CHF diagnosis, confirmed in 78% by the ESC algorithm.

Conclusions:

• The 2016 ESC diagnostic algorithm identified a 4.8% prevalence of CHF in this general adult population sample.
• The clinical algorithm is suitable for epidemiological surveys in the general population.
• Echocardiography and NT-proBNP testing could be prioritized for individuals with dyspnea or a history of CHF due to logistical and economic considerations.